Information about Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Rietvlei Dam was built during the great depression of the early 1930’s. The dam is fed by the Sesmyl Spruit and provides some of Pretoria’s water supply. The Nature Reserve was established after the dam and was only opened to the general public in 1948. It is 3800 hectares in extent.
The main habitat in the reserve is typical Highveld grassland with clumps of trees here and there. Numerous exotic trees are in the process of being removed. This open grassland provides a great habitat for their Plains Zebras which number around 200.
The reserve is home to a wide variety of other mammals and birds. Mammals to look for include Eland, Cape Buffalo, White Rhino, Springbok and Red Hartebeest. At times the reserve is home to Cheetahs but this is part of a breeding program and they are taken away if they are having a negative impact on the numbers of antelope.
Rietvlei has been divided into two separate sections. The bigger portion is the nature reserve while the other portion caters for boating and angling. Although there is a yacht club no motorboats are allowed on the dam.
The Rietvlei Coffee Shop is a very popular stopping point in the reserve where one can get light meals and refreshments. There are a number of braai facilities along Marais Dam which is an incredibly popular place during lunch times on weekends! While at Marais Dam spend some time at Hippo View hide. Not only might you see Hippos but you should see some very large Barbel as well!
Zebras of Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Herds